Former City Councillor, Niall Murphy, has declared his intention to run in the Galway West by-election for the Green Party. Having served Galway City West from 2020 to 2024, he is now going to have a run for the Da?il seat vacated by president elect Catherine Connolly.
Speaking to the Advertiser, he said that while he was out canvassing for Catherine Connolly, he heard on a lot of doors that people are unhappy with the current government.
“But it is also clear that some felt a two horse race did not give them the type of democratic choice we are used to in Da?il elections.
“We in Galway West will have the privilege of having the chance to cast our votes across the political spectrum when the by-election is called, and I look forward to being part of that debate,” he said.
“If elected I will see it as my job to hold the government to account on many environmental, climate and social issues where they have backtracked since the formation of the new government. When the Greens were in government, they were the strongest voice in the coalition for the Occupied Territories Bill – and that too is hitting inexcusable delays during this term.”
Former Green Party Senator, Pauline O’Reilly, ran in Galway West at the last General Election.
She said this week that she made a decision after the last election not to run, and to instead focus on work outside of elected politics.
“I will be supporting Niall Murphy in the by-election. I believe he will be an excellent advocate for Green policies and I look forward to supporting him,” she added.
The by-election must take place by May 2026 at the latest.
